Classic Craft

Lovingly restored by father and son.

In the spring of 1987, this 1936 18-foot Gar Wood Double Cockpit Runabout was found discarded, stored behind a man’s home on a rotten wooden skid. The transom and aft section was completely rotted away. We purchased a trailer and rented a backhoe to lift the boat onto the trailer. We were surprised that everything stayed intact.

The boat was hauled to my parents home and the restoration began. The boat was totally dismantled board by board by my dad and me. Approximately 20% of the hull — waterline and below — had to be replaced. Four ounces of fi berglass was added below the waterline.

Engine restored, several dollars later and priceless memories for a father and son to reminisce, the boat was completed in Spring 1989. We used the boat with care for several years, cruising Monroe Lake and waterskiing.

This Gar Wood was, over time, replaced with other family activities that got in its way. It has always been stored indoors and covered. With the right buyer, some cleanup and minor repairs, it again can be another father and son’s dream come true.

Many fond memories come from a project like this. Although boats are just another material possession that can come and go, the great memories never fade. — Jack Small, Monrovia, IN See this boat for sale in our Classifi eds section on p. 71.

ADD YOUR BOAT! Email KBUSH@LAKELANDBOATING.COM if you have Classic Craft with a great story to share!